Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits provide a monthly income benefit to people who have a long-term disability that:
- Lasts at least a year or longer
- Prevents them from regular earning
Other benefits available to SSDI recipients include medical care coverage, payments for dependents, tax breaks, and more. While you are eligible for SSDI, you may be able to obtain additional benefits through other programs.
Your Monthly SSDI Payment
For 2022, the primary benefit available through SSDI received a 5.9 percent cost of living adjustment, resulting in an average monthly payout of $1,358 per person or $2,383 per family.
While your payment is determined by your average lifetime earnings, there is a monthly maximum of $3,345 for these benefits. Requesting your Social Security statement online will provide you with an estimate of your benefit amount.
If you have questions about your SSDI claim or have been denied, working with a social security lawyer from our firm may help you get approved for benefits and start receiving monthly payments and back pay.
Additional Benefits to Assist You in Making Ends Meet
In addition to the monthly SSDI payments, you may be eligible for a number of other benefits. You’ll have to apply for them separately. Your attorney can review your qualifications and assist you in determining which benefits you may be eligible for.
Medicare Protection
When you receive SSDI for two years, the SSA enrolls you in Medicare. Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B are included in this government-sponsored healthcare plan (medical insurance).
Family Benefits
If your home includes:
- A spouse, you may be eligible for family benefits.
- Children under the age of 18
- A disabled adult who was diagnosed before the age of 22
Moreover, the benefits may also be available to divorced spouses
In general, each dependent on this list is eligible for up to 50% of your approved monthly benefit, up to the current maximum.
Tax Advantages
The vast majority of people do not pay taxes on their SSDI benefits. Only if you have additional household income from a working spouse or unearned income, such as rental property then you have to pay tax according to the tax law.
Benefits of Return to Work
The Ticket to Work program allows you to continue receiving SSDI payments while working or attempting to work. This program provides educational, vocational, and other forms of training. If you are unable to work at your previous job but can work in another industry due to your disability, Ticket to Work may be an excellent option.
Benefits for Survivors
Survivor benefits may be available to family members of those who die while receiving SSDI.
Additional Benefits for Beneficiaries with Low Income
Additional programs are available to those with low incomes and few assets, including many families receiving SSDI and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, from the federal government:
- Food stamps, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
- The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) assists with home heating costs.
When your life circumstances change dramatically, you must reconsider your eligibility for benefits. For example, if your spouse dies or their income significantly changes, you may be eligible for these benefits.
Contact a SSDI Attorney to Discuss Your Options
If you have questions about what other benefits you can receive while on SSDI, or if your initial claim was denied, a professional Social Security Lawyer in Houston, TX is here to help. We can examine your claim and determine your eligibility and appeal options.
We could also assist you in obtaining Social Security Disability benefits and back pay. Furthermore, we work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing up front for our services. Call us today to discuss your options.
